England coach Roy Hodgson admits he TWICE fancied signing Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana.

Lallana earned a first senior England call yesterday.

"I've seen him for a long time," said Hodgson, who was at St Mary's this month to see Lallana excel against Manchester United in only his third top-flight appearance.

"I followed him as a potential signing when I was at Fulham and West Brom. Southampton weren't in the Premier League.

"Now the whole world is aware of him because Southampton, though not getting the results, are making a reputation for themselves."